Researchers in Madagascar have discovered the world's smallest species of reptile, a tiny chameleon, Brookesia micra, that reaches just 29 millimetres in length.

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Miniature chameleons

While people may be familiar with the appearance of a chameleon, with its slightly comical jerking gait and rotating eyes, to see these features in such miniature proportions is extraordinary. A research team of German scientists discovered Brookesia micra, along with three other new species while conducting field work at night in the forests of Madagascar.

"They mostly live in the leaf litter in the day... But at night they climb up and then you can spot them," said Dr Glaw.

The tiny reptiles were spotted using torches and headlamps shone into likely roosting places.

Brookesia micra, the smallest of the newly discovered species, was discovered on a remote limestone islet where its small size is believed to have evolved as an adaptation to its restricted habitat. Genetic testing has not only proven that these tiny chameleons are indeed four separate species, but that they separated from each other millions of years ago.